Magyar Egyház, 1973 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1973-12-01 / 12. szám

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

7

Do you have peace of heart and peace of mind? Psychologists assert, that never in the history of mankind have there been so many disturbed people as today. There seems to be a constant misunderstanding between employers and employees; teachers and pupils; parents and children, men and women, friends and neighbors.

This world is desperately seeking peace! But real peace is very difficult to find, for people do not wish to accept the authority of the Prince of Peace. Due to the rejection of Jesus Christ one crisis follows another among the nations.

Nevertheless Christians can have peace and joy even in our troubled year of 1973. This true joy of Christmas is in the heart of men; this joy is something, that no one can take away from the children of God. We are called to make peace where there is hatred, sow the seed of love where there is envy, good-will, where ill-will rules the mind.

Behold, the Prince of Peace is coming and he brings his peace and love, happy are the ones who accept Him and can treasure in their heart this most blessed gift of our Heavenly Father: PEACE.

Most people gladly join the carolers in singing praises to God and accepting the peace that Jesus brought down from heaven to earth. Do not let the devil mislead you, do not turn away from the grace and mercy of our Lord deliberately, for you will be lost for ever. The greatest sin a person can commit is to belittle the gift of our Heavenly Father and refuse to give Christ the glory. Accept his gift of Christmas joy and peace.

It is my wish that the members of our churches from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, from Canada to South America and all God-loving Christians may find the most joyful Christmas and the happiest holy day ever. With these thoughts in mind I wish our members a blessed Christmas and a joyous new year.

Dezső Abraham, Bishop

Let Us Keep Christmas

Whatever else be lost among the years,

Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,

Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.

THE GRACE OF GOD APPEARED

There are many Scripture verses in the Bible, which when heard once bring to our mind God’s beautiful deeds. There are also verses, that do not even mention the birth of Christ but as we hear them, our mind tells us that it is probably connected with the wonderful story of Christmas.

It is enough to hear the verse Glory to God in the highest, Peace on earth good will toward men, — and right away before our spiritual eyes we see the multitude of Heavenly Hosts singing this song upon the fields around Bethlehem. It is enough to hear from the Gospel of John — “The Word was made flesh” — to bring before our eyes the vision of the baby of Bethlehem lying in the manger.

And I think, it is enough to hear the verse — “For the grace of God, that bringeth Salvation to all men” — and we know right away, that this was the glorious news announced by God. This is what was revealed in the songs of the angels, this is what was manifested in the star, shining in the sky, which was never seen before by the wise men of the East.

The grace of God appeared, which brought Salvation. This is why we can celebrate Christmas. The grace of God, without which, all our problems would stay unsolved, without which man could not be any more than someone sentenced to death. The sin of men was so great, and it is even today, that he could get nothing else from the truthful judgment of God — than death.

But God — Who is Righteousness and the Truth, was merciful to men and in the birth of His only begotten he revealed His mercy toward the sinful world and men. He sent His Son to open the jail door of sin for us, that we may escape to life. This is why that stay over Bethlehem was so bright, because it had to light up the darkness of sin. This is why the angel’s song was so joyous, because it had to make joyful the heart of those who were waiting the destruction of sin.

The Grace of God appeared, this is the only hope given to men. The door is open through which every person can go through, out of darkness of sin to God’s marvelous light. And this grace of God — brought us something more — It brought us Salvation. Christmas is a holiday of Grace in which God announces to this world, that He does not want any more the death of the sinful men, because He is merciful, and wants everyone to live.

Christmas is a holiday and celebration of those who want to live, who want to live eternally. It is the